loodkop

Does the different colors make a difference in identifying structure/fish? Up to now I have been running my unit in manual but really want get away from the banks in the coming year.

I would eat them if I was a bass.

You will struggle to get your hard master out of the resin mold. Hard master soft mold (RTV). Soft master hard mold ( resin POP).

My top pitching bait for 2011. Took some cash on the green pumkin spear.

X2

Well done. I wish we had pike in South Africa. The last pic is some other species I've not seen before but looks like it could give a decent fight.

I have a spidercast bc lying around somewhere in my workshop. I have no idea if thy are still being made but would never buy or recommend it. I have used it for less than 6 months when the plastic dragstar broke. It was also noisy and unrefined imo.

The previous post makes good sense. I can add that some people see a small worm as a bait fish imitation. Fishing from the bank in clear water I have seen small tilapia chasing bass from their nest by rushing and even bumping them. I never retrieve any lure straight at bass but try to get an angle across its nose. Chris

Had a reasonable year but nothing spectacular. Did not spend enough time on the water. 2012 Need to get in more social/practice days. Want to make my first swimbait and try painting a couple of cranks.

I have been soaking up all the threads in this forum for the past 7 weeks. I want to thank all who are so willing to share their ideas, creativity and expertise so freely. I don't want to mention names but I have been blown away by some of the work in these pages. My experience is mainly in soft plastics and jigs ( carp and catfish not bass) but I will try my hand at cranks and swimbaits in the new year. May each of you enjoy a blessed Christmas and a new fishing year exceeding your expectations. Chris

Very nice.

I have flipped a handpoured buzzfrog after running out of creatures. Not my first choice but it worked. My youngest also often drags a soft frog behind the boat when he gets bored and has picked up some decent fish like this.

I agree with the Rhino. Fishing time is to precious to worry about about moon phase or other factors. I do take note of the moon phase because it makes a better excuse for blanking than lack of skill.

Reading this thread made me realise how blessed I am in my wife. She fully supports my fishing and is my main sponsor. 99% of my higher end gear comes from having her with me in the tackle shop. Most recent example: I was looking for a curado 50e and walked out with a core 50 after the salesman convinced her that it was a much better reel. I also get at least a weeks worth of fishing trip a year without any complaints. I suppose this is why I'm currently on holiday with wife and kids without rods.

I caught my first bass on an old Heddon floating meadow mouse and still cast it when I'm just fun fish.

For finesse I like the squirrel tails and brushog when I want a bigger profile. I also use flukes to imitate bottom feeders. Chris

I can only speak about local waters but one of the theories is that predators are naturally curious and will investigate a commotion to see if there is a feeding opportunity. A trick to attract bass is to scatter a handful of gravel over shallow water. This excites the minnows which excites the bass. Poorman's hydrowave. Chris

Hang tough. I just bought myself a new reel as reward for 3 months without smoking. It gets easier everyday. Chris

we will also be praying

Thanks for the advice guys. Now I just need to figure out the side imaging on my fishfinder to find some structure to deep crank. As it is midsummer in the southern hemisphere I suppose it should be a good tactic to try. Chris

Comparing an ugly stik to a NRX is like comparing a small family saloon to a sportscar. Both will get you to the water. Just because my budget is limited to a family car doesn't mean I can't admit the Porsche performs better.

I agree. The tribute lure is more than special.

I have rediscovered an old green curado in a 3.8:1 gear ratio. Does anybody still use reels this slow?

I will probaly die before catching a muskie, stiper or salmon, but yes the yellows are good fun. Most of my yellow fishing is done with light tackle 4-6 spinning or the flyrod and in moving water. We have several groups working for yellowfish conservation but it is not high on goverment agendas. Chris

We don't have stripers but calling does work for some of our local predators. I like to use the trolling motor lifted halfway out to beat the water into foam over drop off while stroking a redeye shad. Using an oar or the nethandle to make a commotion also works. We also use special rods to call catfish out of thick cover.